Centre Condemns LG elections in Rivers

The Centre for Truth and Justice (CTJ) has condemned the recent Local Government elections in Rivers State. The group alleged that Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s actions undermined the democratic process, violating every principle that Nigeria stands for. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Executive Director Obinna Francis, said the elections were conducted without transparency, accountability, […]

The Centre for Truth and Justice (CTJ) has condemned the recent Local Government elections in Rivers State.

The group alleged that Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s actions undermined the democratic process, violating every principle that Nigeria stands for.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Executive Director Obinna Francis, said the elections were conducted without transparency, accountability, or legitimacy, and were instead a coronation of Governor Fubara’s puppets.

Francis also highlighted Governor Fubara’s disregard for the law, including his unilateral suspension of members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and installation of a three-man committee to function as the state assembly.

The CTJ further criticized Governor Fubara’s use of proxy parties to advance his political agenda and the involvement of RSIEC in the illegitimate process.

“We condemn in totality the charade, mockery, and the total abuse of our democratic process by the purported conduct of Local Government (LG) elections in Rivers State,” Francis said.

“What transpired in Rivers State is a travesty of democracy, an affront to the will of the people, and a direct assault on the rule of law. The so-called election that took place within the confines of the Government House is not only an illegal act but also a violation of every democratic principle that this nation stands for.

“Moreover, the actions of Governor Fubara are a dangerous precedent that threatens the very fabric of our democracy. Nigerians can now understand clearly that Governor Fubara is ready to destroy whatever is left of our democracy if he is not urgently called to order.

“Evidently, one of the most alarming aspects of Governor Fubara’s tenure has been his unilateral suspension of members of the Rivers State House of Assembly using kangaroo court orders. In defiance of legislative autonomy and the separation of powers, Governor Fubara has installed a three-man committee to function as the state assembly.

“This illegal structure is a mockery of the democratic process, and we must all ask ourselves what kind of state operates without a legitimate legislature. The answer is clear: a dictatorship. Furthermore, Governor Fubara’s disregard for the law extends to the recent conduct of a sham LG election in Rivers State.

“The election, which was conducted within the Government House, is an embarrassment to the state and the nation as a whole. This process lacked transparency, accountability, and legitimacy. There were no observers, no genuine electoral oversight, and no opportunity for the people of Rivers State to make their voices heard. Instead, it was a coronation, not an election—a process aimed at installing Governor Fubara’s puppets in key positions of power across the state.

“It is pertinent to mention that a judgment from a Federal High Court in Abuja had already restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing voters’ registers to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

“Yet, in typical fashion, Governor Fubara obtained a questionable court order to override this judgment, demonstrating his utter contempt for the judiciary and the rule of law. Hence, the involvement of RSIEC in this illegitimate process raises serious concerns about the impartiality and independence of the electoral body.”

The group called on relevant authorities, including the National Assembly, judiciary, and international community, to intervene and restore the rule of law in Rivers State.